Keanan Harmse
A theatre and dance teacher from Fish Hoek hopes she can empower the youth to express themselves freely on stage and inspire the next generation of young actors to become leaders in their communities.
The Amy Leigh Acting and Singing (ALAS) Academy was launched in 2010 by founder Amy Leigh.
Their theatre ensemble performed an adaption of the classic play Treasure Island at the Masque Theatre in Muizenberg last week.
Since a child she has always found herself singing and performing, she recalls.
The Amy Leigh Acting and Singing (ALAS) Academy pose for a photo after their performance of Treasure Island held at the Masque Theatre in Muizenberg last week. Credit: Supplied 
ALAS Academy’s actors during their Treasure Island performance. Back: Toby Flood, Kian Mortlock, Peter Campbell-Watts. Middle: Joseph Younes, Erin Haylle-Dick, Mira Mperdempes, Amari van Neiwenhuizen, Kate Elario. PHOTOS: CANDICE DOUGLAS. 
Matthew Leck, Twyla Van Reenan and Tygo Wijsenbeek. 
Matthew Leck, Twyla Van Reenan and Tygo Wijsenbeek. 
Liam Strydom and Twyla Van Reenan.
“I grew up in Fish Hoek and was schooled through the local Fish Hoek Primary School all the way through to High School. I would have friends tell me that I was like a walking musical. I have been singing since I can remember and playing the piano for the majority of my life. I started piano at seven years old, singing at nine and drama at nine too. It was my happy place, the place that let me be me and discover my true passion and talents,” she says.
After she matriculated in 2006 she carried on with her studies through the Cape Academy of Dramatic Arts.
She says her main goal for establishing the arts academy was to guide students along the track of inspiration and become teachers that could uplift someone by imparting knowledge and guidance.
“When I started ALAS Academy in 2010, I had little expectations, but was hopeful that ALAS would turn out positively. I had no idea that it would snowball to a place were we housed over 180 students weekly and have had some amazing performances and shared the stage with South African talents,” she explains.
The academy offers vocals, speech and drama, piano and guitar training.
“We enrich the community through arts and culture, live stage exposure and engaging with the community to provide entertainment. Not only do we do that, but we coach and mentor the youth, the young performer, the passionate young muso, the young actor to be the best they can be at their craft and to be good at it,” Leigh elaborates.
They’ve also performed for the Girl Guides, Retirement Villages and local markets.
“We have had the honour of working with Living Hope, Desmond Tutu HIV Youth Foundation, Open Door Foundation, Ukama, Rotary, Raymond Ackerman Golf Academy and namely United Nations,” she says.
Their students hail from all over Cape Town, but primarily from Strandfontein, Muizenburg, Tokai, Steenberg, Lakeside, Fish Hoek, Kommetjie, Ocean View, Noordhoek, Simon’s Town, Scarborough, Sunvalley and Glencairn.
People’s Post spoke with some of the young actors who performed at their production of Treasure Island.
Arun Bothma says he loves all kinds of art and dabbles in producing and DJ’ing.
“I never realised how deep my interest in the arts was until I was a lot older. I only started acting two years ago and discovered my love for music around the same time. ALAS academy has really been an amazing outlet for me to discover my creative side where I have deepened my passion for performing and for music. I have learnt so much about myself and made many friends while doing it,” he said.
He played the role of Ben Gunn, a former cabin boy and pirate.
ruthless killer
“To prepare for this role I spent most of my time perfecting the physicality of the character and trying to figure out how this character would walk and do simple actions. What I find so interesting about the character is how he has adapted to survive on the island, which resulted in him walking on all fours and learning to fend for himself,” he said.
Fellow actor Peter Campbell-Watts says playing Long John was quite a challenging character to act and understand.
“His demeanor switches from a charming sailor and cook who could do no wrong, to a narcissistic, ruthless killer looking only to benefit himself, no matter who he had to use or step on. He was also one legged, which was quite a challenge for me to act with, and was also logistically difficult to create believably on stage,” he explained.
For more information contact Amy-Leigh at 084 244 5476.
